An orchard to be opened on the 250th birthday of Cassandra Austen – Jane Austen’s older sister – has received a £1,000 donation from CALA Homes.

Jane Austen’s House in Chawton is planting the orchard of six trees, one for each novel, in the courtyard to replace one that stood in the grounds. CALA’s money will pay for two trees. The orchard will open on January 9, 2023.

Museum director Lizzie Dunford said: “Cassandra’s Orchard will be a living celebration of the woman behind the woman.”